Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1940 Reference No: 591 Movement No: 862'470 Case No: 621'704 Model Name: "Fagiolino" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPco Dimensions: 34mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial, raised gold indexes and tachometer scale in 1940 and its subsequent sale on November 4th, 1940.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe first launched reference 591 in 1938. At the time of production, the model was entirely different from anything that the manufacture had ever produced. The case, produced by Wenger, featured "bean" shaped lugs, lovingly dubbed "Fagiolino", or "little bean". The angular, and relatively sharp lines starkly contrasted with the smooth Calatrava design of reference 130 and 533. Reference 591 was also larger than its chronograph siblings, boasting a 34 millimeter case diameter, giving the watch a modern aesthetic today.
This particular example is preserved in wonderful condition, with a crisp and sharp hallmark between the pushers. The dial furthermore retains its long signature, with a strong accent in the "Genève" text. Retaining its original crown, one can admire how remarkably well-preserved the lugs are. It is particularly easy to spot polishing on this reference, as the lugs and bezel easily lose their definition.
It is interesting to note that the inside case back has multiple service markings from the same watchmaker. One can only conclude that the watch was lovingly well preserved and maintained by its previous owner.
Reference 591 was produced in exceedingly small numbers. In fact, it is the rarest chronograph model that the firm produced throughout the 1930s and 1950s. Research suggests that less than 17 examples cased in yellow gold have appeared on the market thus far, with approximately 34 examples produced in total. The last yellow gold example surfaced in 2013, which really enhances the utmost rarity of the present watch.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.